How Do You Calculate Direction in Vector Displacement Problems?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate Jim's net displacement, first determine the total movement in the south and east directions, resulting in 80m south and 60m east. The magnitude of the displacement can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, yielding a result of approximately 96.2m. To express the direction, use trigonometry to find the angle relative to the south direction, specifically using the tangent function to calculate the angle. The final direction can be expressed as an angle from the south, approximately 36.87 degrees east of south. This approach effectively combines both magnitude and direction in vector displacement problems.
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Displacement: Magnitude And Direction (urgent)

Homework Statement



Jim walks 100m due south, 60m due east, and then 20m due north. What is his net
displacement (both magnitude and direction)?

Homework Equations



I know how to find the net displacement by the magnitude of the distance...
using the d = sq. rt ( (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2 )

but i don't know how to express the direction?

PLEASE HELP!

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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So he goes 80m S and 60m E. If it were a triangle with 80m is a down pointing leg and 60 as a right pointing leg, how would you find the direction the hypotenus goes in?
 
Think vectors.
 
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